December 2013 Health & Wellness

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December 2013

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What is a cataract and what is cataract surgery?

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and today cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older.

At some point in our life, we will all develop a cataract.

The natural lens of the eye yellows and becomes cloudy with age as a result of biological changes of the proteins inside the lens. The function of the human lens is to focus incoming light onto the back of the eye. As your lens ages, light from the outside worlds becomes more and more distorted as it enters your eye. Difficulty reading, needing more light to read, experiencing glare and haloes at night and, even poor sleep patterns can be explained by cataract formation.

The treatment for cataracts involves a painless, 10 minute surgery to remove the “clouded lens” or “cataract” and replace it with a man made intraocular lens implant. It is the most common surgical procedure in the US and around the world and is considered to be an extremely successful and safe

procedure with a success rate approaching 99.5%.

What is laser cataract surgery?

With traditional cataract surgery, all the steps of the surgery are customarily performed “manually” by the surgeon using handheld tools. Laser cataract surgery- the next evolution of cataract surgery with the Ziemer Z6 laser offers a greater amount of precision, predictability and safety to these steps leading improved visual outcomes and more precise targets. With the Ziemer Z6 Laser System, your surgeon can offer you unmatched accuracy and a more predictable and customized cataract procedure.

Based on your medical history and pre-operative evaluation, you and your surgeon will discuss the options available for your desired visual result.

Together you can discuss a treatment plan which may include using the LDV Z6 to create the precise laser incisions in the cornea along with an advanced lens implant that may allow for im-

proved near, intermediate or distance vision. This tailored treatment may reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?

In traditional cataract surgery, incisions in the cornea are made using handheld instruments including blades to access the cataract. Your surgeon will then use a surgical device to manually create a circular opening in the lens capsule of the eye that holds the cataract. The Ziemer Z6 laser can be used to make the corneal incisions precise and the opening in the lens capsule as circular as possible, in the right location, and sized to fit the replacement lens.

Your surgeon can also use the laser to break up and soften the hard cataract. Softening the lens with the laser enables your surgeon to then remove the cataract more gently and with

See CATARACT, Page 5

ADHD – not just in children anymore Adult ADHD is associated with multiple comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other personality disorders. Adult ADHD is a valid psychiatric disorder of adulthood distinct from these other conditions.

Adult attention deficit disorder differs from the childhood variant because the hyperactivity in adults may be replaced by other symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and inattentiveness. In fact, prior to 2002 there were no diagnostic guidelines, but there have been great advances since. Some of the symptoms that characterize Adult ADHD are:

ADHD is a relatively common psychiatric disorder among adults. The prevalence is thought to be 3.5%-5.3%, which accounts for more than 11 million cases in the United States alone. With increased public awareness, adult ADHD became a topic of great interest so clinicians should be able to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with this disorder.

Etiology is still uncertain. Genetics however is believed to play a prominent role, followed in importance by acquired injuries to the brain.

ADHD was widely thought to be strictly a disorder of childhood. Now there are numerous scientific papers and clinical trials that acknowledge the existence of an adult version of this disorder, which can be traced back to the younger years.

Before this time ADHD in adults was known as Minimal Brain Damage or Dysfunction (MBD).

1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school-work, work or other activities.

2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoke to directly.

4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand directions) 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (eg.

School assignments, pencils, keys) 7. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

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8. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, keep a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, failed relationships and traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to complete several tasks as once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

Treatment is very rewarding. The first medications to be approved by the FDA belonged to a non-stimulant group of medications: Atomoxetine. The FDA later approved stimulants such as methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts. Group delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended in some cases as a supportive treatment.

If you or someone you know may have Adult ADHD, call Johns Creek Family Medicine at 770-771-6591 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zack Charkawi.

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December 2013 3

Seeing Better Means Living Better The most common surgery in the United States is cataract surgery.

Milan Eye Center is the first practice in the United States to offer Blade-Free cataract surgery of its type.

Milan Eye Center provides industry leading patient care, cutting edge technology, a friendly staff and family atmosphere. We are focused on improving the quality of our patients’ lives through education, care and various treatment options.

Milan R. Patel, M.D.

Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

Niraj Desai, M.D.

Cataract & Refractive Surgeon

Gina Borgnini, O.D.

Look for our ad series in 2014 with information on specific services and ways to learn more. Also visit us at www.MilanEyeCenter.com

Priyal Gadani, O.D.

Optometrist

Optometrist

6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325 | Johns Creek 970 Sanders Rd, Suite 100 | Cumming

Learn more at www.MilanEyeCenter.com

|

Call today for a consultation 678-381-2020

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December 2013 4

Say “No” to Fad Diets

By Lisa Graham RN, BSN, CDE, Northside Hospital Diabetes and Nutrition Education Program

Remember the fable of the tortoise and the hare? The moral is that slow and steady wins the race. Turns out, that age-old wisdom applies to weight loss too.

Fad diets often fail because dieters are prone to regain the weight when they inevitably return to their old eating habits.

Success, as nutritionists will

We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia.

While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.

Visit us online at www.northside.com

tell us time and time again, is a result of lifestyle changes and smart food choices. There is no “miracle” weight-loss plan when it comes to long-term, sustainable weight loss.

Recognizing Fads If you’re aiming to shed some pounds, and don’t know where to start, there are plenty of credible resources out there, but it’s important to know how to decipher fact from fiction.

When it comes to recognizing “fad” diets, there are several red flags.

One, avoid any diet that eliminates entire food groups.

Incorporating a variety of foods is necessary for good health, and any diet that teaches you otherwise isn’t teaching you the fundamentals of good eating habits.

On the other hand, vegetarian and vegan diet plans can be very healthy, but consult with a nutritionist before diving in to ensure that all your nutrient requirements will be met.

Two, pass on any diet trend that claims you can “trick” your body’s metabolism into burning more calories. There are only two ways you can “trick” your body into burning more calories: a healthy diet and routine exercise.

And lastly, ignore any diet that promises dramatic weightloss that’s fast and easy.

Healthy weight loss requires patience and hard work. Any diet telling you otherwise is just blowing hot air.

Keep the WeightOff for Good If you’re serious about weight loss, ignore the hype.

Follow the tips below to get back into shape for life.

Go slowly. When you’re making small, meaningful changes, the weight will come off slowly, but it’ll likely stay off because you’re building good habits rather than crash dieting.

Healthy, sustainable weight loss for most people is about 1-2 pounds per week.

Losing more than a couple of pounds per week is typically neither healthy nor sustainable, and the weight lost is typically water weight, not body weight Don’t starve yourself. Eat just 300 to 500 calories under what you burn each day. If you start cutting too many calories, your metabolism slows down to protect fat stores in expectation of a long period of food deprivation.

Eat only when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full. Many people lose weight just by paying attention to this one tip.

Get your Zzz’s. Studies show that sleep deprivation increases levels of a hunger hormone, which may lead to overeating.

5 Get moving. No fad diet on earth can replace the weightloss wonders that routine exercise has to offer. You’ll not only burn calories during the activity but you’ll also build muscle, which will help you burn even more calories over time.

For more healthy living tips and information on resources to help you lose weight, go to www.Northside.com/nutrition or visit northside.com/newstartchallenge.

Flu-Fighting Facts For Parents (NAPS)—Did you know that over 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year for illnesses related to the flu, and that the virus kills about 36,000 people each year?

Children are more susceptible to the flu, and once they catch the influenza virus, it can spread like wildfire. To help stop the spread of the flu in the home, parents can take four simple steps: 1. Clean: Wipe down hard surfaces, including toys, counters, toilets and sinks with a household cleaning agent, such as Lysol, to rid them of germs.

2. Dry: Allow surfaces ample time to dry completely before disinfecting them.

3. Disinfect: Once a toy is clean and dry, apply a disinfectant to rid the surface of bacteria and viruses. But make sure to carefully read a product’s label for instructions. Bleach is only effective if diluted properly

Parents can keep the playroom from becoming a playland for the influenza virus. by water.

4. Remember: Use these tactics for all shared surfaces.

Learn more from the cleaning experts at Aftermath, the only national company specializing in crime scene cleanup and sanitizing serious biohazards such as MRSA and HIV. For more information visit www.aftermath.com/flu-facts or call (877) 872-4399.

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December 2013 5

Hearing loss or diminished hearing Doctor’s Hearing Center is now open in Johns Creek to provide hearing care for the general community, diagnostic hearing and balance services for physicians and industry or academic hearing screenings.

We offer hearing consultations, audiologic testing, the latest technology in hearing aids, hearing aid repairs, wax removal, tinnitus or ringing in the ears treatment and advice on hearing health programs available.

Dr. Robin Andrews is an expert on correcting hearing problems. Physicians trust Dr. Andrews and for over 30 years have been referring patients to assist in patient diagnosis and management.

He has been in private practice since 1984 and has helped many Georgians with their hearing health.

Dr. Andrews specializes in the treatment of hearing loss due to nerve damage and diagnostics for balance

Cataract: Continued from Page 2 significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery.

What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery?

• A highly customized treatment • A treatment with little or no discomfort • A more precise and predictable treatment • A gentler and easier cataract removal • Generally, a more rapid visual recovery due to reduced inflammation The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multi-focal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contacts after surgery Am I a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery?

Your surgeon and you will decide whether you are a suitable candidate based on your eye anatomy, type of cataract and type of lens implant that you desire. Most patients are candidates for having some of the steps of cataract surgery performed with the Ziemer Z6 laser.

How long has the procedure been performed?

Thousands of cataract procedures have been successfully performed using femtosecond laser systems, and femtosecond lasers have been used in eye procedures for de-

and dizziness. He has worked with Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons, Veterans Administration and many industries.

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition presented to the primary care physician.

The first is heart disease and the second is low back pain.

How do you know if you have hearing loss or diminished hearing?

Do You: • Hear but don’t understand what people say?

• Ask people to repeat what they say?

• Get complaints that your TV is too loud?

• Have difficulty understanding women and children?

• Ringing or noise in your ears?

• Miss common sounds like telephones and doorbells ringing?

Hearing loss can occur if you have a family history of hearing loss, noise exposure, diabetes or heart disease.

Join us in our excitement to be here in Johns Creek by taking that next step to help yourself or someone you know or love.

Call 770-676-7208 or stop in at 11180 State Bridge Road, Suite 207, to set up an appointment to get the expert hearing care you need and deserve.

Dr. Robin Andrews Audiologist Board Certified

Difficulty hearing?

Hearing but don’t understand?

GOOD NEWS!

cades. The most familiar use of femtosecond laser technology is LASIK. Femtosecond lasers represent an advanced standard in precision laser cataract surgery and the Ziemer Z6 platform was FDA cleared in 2013.

What should I expect on the day of surgery?

Your day in surgery should be no different than a routine cataract case. The Ziemer Z6 laser is positioned next to the surgeon and is utilized seamlessly during the cataract surgery process. You will be given mild IV sedation that will likely keep you pleasantly unaware of the goings on in surgery.

There is no pain, needles or stitches as part of the procedure.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you can generally expect your vision to be improved within 24 hours.

Generally, patients experience no pain after surgery. Slight scratchiness of the eye is common and they prescribed eye drops will help with any of these symptoms. Many patients return to work or normal activities the next day and even drive themselves to their post-op day one appointment!

How long does the procedure take?

You can expect to be at our center for2 hours. And you will be in the procedure room for 20-25 minutes. Call Milan Eye Center at 678-381-2020 for more information.

We Are Open and We Are Listening Doctor’s Hearing Center 11180 State Bridge Road #207 (near Kimble Bridge Road)

770-676-7208 (Johns Creek)

Grand Opening Special FREE

✔ Video deo Ear Ear Exam Exam ✔ Hearing earing Screening Screening ✔ Hearing earing Aid Aid Check Check ✔ Hearing earing Aid Aid Consult Consult

Dr. Robin Andrews Audiologist Board Certified

Easy to wear/Easy to use 100% Digital Hearing Aids from

$995

We accept care credit

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December 2013 6

Treasures in life…Faith, Family, Friends, and Health!

Dr. Leslie Gaskill As holidays come, and holidays go, I believe we all do a lot of soul searching. The realization that yet another year has flown by is daunting.

Where did it go? Oh how we often reflect back on wishing we could have spent more time with our loved ones that are now either deceased, or debilitated from some tragedy. Some we had a chance to say goodbye to and others not.

So lets fast forward to a positive note. Tomorrow is another day, and next month is a new year. We all have the opportunity to work harder at strengthening our faith, our families, friendships, and of course our health. After all, we owe it to our loved ones to take care of ourselves. My practice and I are here to help meet your needs whether your needs are general primary care, gynecological care, hormone imbalance, ADD, asthma, allergies, etc. My real area of passion is the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. In a couple of recent media interviews, I was asked, “Why do many patients who have already suffered heart attacks and strokes seek your care, despite already having a cardiologist, neurologist, and or other primary care physician?” My response is simple. My area of expertise comes from a host of nationally and internationally recognized experts. Our track record for detection, assessment, reversal, and prevention of atherosclerosis (cardiovascular disease), is one we like to share. I have been a practicing physician for 19 years and have 7 years of experience in advanced prevention of cardiovascular disease. Of all of our patients who have participated and been compliant with our strategy, none have had a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, many of my patients choose to seek advice from me especially when their cardiologist begins talking about the need for more stents. Lets face it, no patient should ever have to suffer a heart attack, stroke, and or

need stent placements. Cardiovascular disease can be prevented and reversed. The thought that a compliant patient under cardiovascular care should ever need yet another stent is most disturbing. I can confidently look my patients in the eyes and tell them that if they are truly and aggressively compliant with our strategy, their chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or need for more stents are extremely minimal. For more information, contact 770-495-9995 and see www.drlesliegaskill.com and www.plaquebusters.net.

We accept most insurances, but no new medicare. Please ask about our concierge care as well.

LESLIE S. GASKILL, M.D. For All Your Primary Care and Family Medicine Needs • Family Medicine • Internal Medicine • Gynecological Care • Integrative Medicine

• Laser Acupuncture • Cutting Edge Prevention of Heart Attacks, Strokes and Diabetes

See article at www.drlesliegaskill.com on “In the News” tab.

Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., L.L.C. 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 200, Suite 201 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-495-9995 Drlesliegaskill.com Plaquebusters.net

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December 2013 7

11 Ways to Stay on Track during the Holidays

By Renee Covey RD, LD, CDE With endless amounts of tempting holiday treats, parties to attend and busy schedules, too often weight gain over the holidays seems inevitable.

But with a little creativity and planning ahead, you don’t have to go into 2014 with extra pounds.

As a dietitian, I work with people who have had bariatric surgery at the Center for Surgical Weight Management at Gwinnett Medical CenterDuluth. Through their experiences, and my own, here are my top tips for navigating the holidays: Make your New Year’s resolution early (before the holidays). Visualize yourself on January 1, feeling on-track with a well-nourished body, mind and spirit.

Be the slowest eater. You will enjoy the food more (texture, smell, taste) and will feel satisfied with less.

Do your socializing away

from the buffet table or bar.

Holidays involve a lot of parties, conversation, and occasional drinking.

It can be very easy to get distracted by the mood and “forget” what you have consumed.

Do not arrive hungry. Eat a healthy snack before arriving.

Make new traditions.

Incorporate some exercise walk with your family to look at Christmas lights, organize a game of Frisbee or dance to some holiday music.

Don’t feel guilty. If you “fall off the wagon,” there is nothing stopping you from climbing back on!

Exercise. Do not take a holiday from your exercise.

Continue normal workouts in addition to extra activities like power walking while shopping.

Take a walk with your family after a meal.

Be aware - there will always be cake. You have the right to say no or to only try a very small piece.

Be prepared for pushers.

Be prepared for food pushers and practice how you will respond to them. Say, “I’m eating this way for my health.”

When out and in doubt, don’t eat it. Carry a healthy snack instead, so you’re not lured by cookies at the mall.

Finally, feed and nourish yourself in other ways. Don’t allow holiday weight gain to happen to you. Take an active role in creating the experiences that you hope to have during this season.

Need help with Meal Planning, Diet or Nutrition?

The registered dietitians at the Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth can help you design a meal plan to meet your diet and lifestyle goals.

Your individualized Diet

by Design plan can help you stay on track regardless of the situation. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 678-312-6040 or visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/diet.

What’s your hearing fingerprint?

By Dr. DEBORAH WOODWARD Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Center No two fingerprints are alike. No two snowflakes are alike. Everyone’s DNA is unique and personal. And believe it or not, the same goes for your hearing.

The way you hear is shaped by many things, starting with the unique physiology of your ear. But it does not end there.

Hearing is also shaped by life experiences, lifestyle, and your individual physical and mental makeup.

A musician listening for harmonies and rhythms; a football player listening for signals over the roar of a stadium; or a parent identifying their child’s voice in the school play – all have different hearing preferences, even if their hearing, as measured by a medical audiogram, “looks” identical.

This uniqueness becomes especially important to people coping with a hearing loss.

While they all need amplification, they need to apply it in different ways based on the unique way they live and hear.

Why basic hearing instruments fall short The reason that mail order hearing “devices” are so unsatisfying is that the “one-soundfits-all” design actually fits NO ONE! Some may offer a few adjustments that can change the amplification but they can only go so far. Speech may sound

“tinny” or mechanical at times with these devices and you will have trouble distinguishing speech from background noise or locating the source of sound in a room. Think of eyeglasses with the wrong prescription.

The frames may fit your face well but your vision is blurry.

The right hearing instrument is as unique as you are Think of it as a micro-brain that works in harmony with your own brain to differentiate sounds based on your unique hearing profile. An advanced wireless signal processing system supports features that guard speech, help you focus your hearing, orient you in a room, and more.

“Unique” begins with you Advanced new technology is still only part of the story.

Through a new, more individualized hearing evaluation process, a Doctor of Audiology can actually program your unique hearing ability with lifestyle and speech preferences down to an incredible level of detail. This information tells

the instrument how to react automatically to the different hearing situations you encounter in the course of a day.

Whether it’s a conversation in a car, lunch with friends, a business meeting, sporting event, concert, TV show, or just quiet time at home.

And, settings can always be adjusted at the same high level of detail by your hearing care professional as your needs change.

Unlock the power of personal Your hearing profile is part of what makes your life as personal as your fingerprint.

With the correct hearing instrument, you can now experience a level of hearing performance that is tuned to YOUR life at a richer level of detail – anytime and anywhere.

--Dr. Deborah Woodward has been a hearing care specialist for 24 years and is in private practice at the Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Center. 770-814-1260

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Timani Johns Creek Dermatology, JOhns Creek

Best of North Fulton

2013

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December 2013 8

Simple responses for too much holiday cheer (NAPSI)—If you find that the holidays can sometimes be too much of a good thing, there’s actually some good news.

There are a number of simple steps you can take to stay in control of your social life. Here are some tips: • Start by saying no. Some are surprised to learn that it really is possible to attend too many parties. To avoid holiday burnout, determine which events you really want to go to and which ones you have to go to, and send your regrets to the rest.

• Stay close to your diet. If you want to avoid reveler’s remorse, don’t use your holiday whirl as an excuse for eating and drinking all the treats you usually avoid. Think pie or cake, not pie and cake. Or skip the pie and cake and go for the fresh fruit.

• If you overdo it, keep your remedy simple. Fortunately, if you do overindulge, there are a number of simple things you can do to get back on the right track.

For example, if you wake with a touch of nausea from stress or too much food and drink, there’s a low-cost, clinically proven, drug-free alternative treatment for the control

of nausea and vomiting that’s showing up everywhere from college campuses to airport lounges.

Called Sea-Bands, they are acupressure bands that fit around the patient’s wrist just like a sweatband—with a pressure stud sewn inside.

It works by applying pressure on the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud.

Because the bands do not use drugs, they do not cause any of the side effects associated with anti-nausea drugs and can be worn on each wrist whenever you feel nauseous.

They are suitable for adults and children.

A University of Pittsburgh Medical Center study found that using Sea-Bands acupressure bands on post-op patients reduced the incidence of nausea to 10 percent-a reduction of two-thirds.

The bands have also been used to relieve motion sickness, morning sickness and cancer nausea and vomiting.

They become effective within five minutes—even if nausea has already started—and can be worn continuously.

Sea-Bands are made of mixed fibers and are latex-free.

They are soft, comfortable, fit all wrist sizes and can be

reused if washed in a gentle cycle. They have an unlimited

shelf life with no special storage conditions.

Sea-Bands are available in all major drugstores.

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Alternatives to Hysterectomy

Picture this scenario. You are having issues with heavy bleeding at menstruation. You go to your gynecologist and are told you need a hysterectomy.

This will require a major surgery, a prolonged recovery time and inability to get back to work and your daily life for quite a while. Is this the only solution?

The answer is probably no. We now have many more alternatives to hysterectomy than ever before.

In the category of medical alternatives to hysterectomy there is the possibility of oral contraceptives and hormonal Depo-Provera infections.

These medications are traditionally used for contraception but are safe for women to use until menopause if no medical health issues exist.

They can decrease monthly bleeding substantially and even be manipulated so that there are fewer menstrual cycles. Oral contraceptives can also decrease acne and perimenopausal side effects as well.

Another new alternative to hysterectomy is the Mirena IUD. This devise recently received FDA approval for use in managing heavy menses. It can easily be placed in an office visit without anesthesia. After the first few months most patients will have either no menses or very light menses. The device can be left in for 5 years and is very safe in all age groups.

If you prefer not to use a medication or are reluctant to use an IUD another alternative would be an endometrial ablation.

This is a procedure that in some cases can be done in an office setting or as an outpatient at the hospital.

The lining of the uterine cavity is treated so there is either no menses or very light menses each month. The nice feature with this procedure is that recovery time is very quick. Most people are back to work within a 24hour time period and the results last for years.

So the next time your doctor days you need a hysterectomy, be sure to discuss these options.

While the need for hysterectomy still exists in some cases there are more alternatives than ever before.

–Laura Tsakiris MD Chattahoochee Gynecology

December 2013 9

Massage as part of your total health and wellness routine Touching is a natural response to pain. Think of when you bumped your head. What did you do? Rubbed it, right?

There is scientific proof of the benefits of massage - from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the tensions of our stressful lifestyles. Massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur when you receive massage therapy.

These include improved circulation, relaxed muscles, reduced joint pain, and shorter recovery times for workouts and surgery. If you’ve been hesitant to try massage therapy, it’s time to try LaVida Massage.

LaVida Massage of Cumming is a brand-new massage and wellness center that offers therapeutic massage at affordable prices in a friendly, gender-neutral setting.

Licensed massage therapists apply customized treatment using proven techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, and NeuroMuscular. Additional therapies for pre-natal, migraine, and Sports massage are also offered.

Massage therapy is a holistic healthcare tool that everyone should use. No matter how you view it - as therapeutic, as rejuvenation, for stress release, or for pain management - massage therapy is beneficial to everyone – young, older, male, female, active or sedentary.

We have the prescription for growing your practice Appen Media Group:

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In print and on-line our newspapers and website reach North Atlanta better than any other media Market your practice to thousands of homes close to you Combine editorial advice in conjunciton with your ad

Advertising DEADLINE: First Tuesday of every month Call to reserve your advertising now. For information, call 770-442-3278

Use the local newspaper that your potential patients read every week from cover to cover - that’s us

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December 2013 10

NEED

Advanced bariatric surgery.

WANT

Support to keep the weight off for good.

At Gwinnett Medical Center, this isn’t just a surgery; this is a lifelong commitment to changing your health.

The Center for Surgical Weight Management at GMC–Duluth is a fully accredited and licensed bariatric facility. We exceed the highest quality standards, and all of our surgeries are performed in an acute care facility. In addition, each staff member goes through specialized training in caring for bariatric patients.

And what makes our patients so successful in reaching their weight loss goals is how we pair the latest treatments in bariatric surgery with the area’s most expansive postsurgery program. Our special events, support groups, and cooking and nutrition courses provide our patients with the tools they need to keep the weight off for good.

This is how Gwinnett Medical Center is Transforming Healthcare.

See Rhonda’s story and others at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/stories.

Transforming Healthcare

Medical Weight Loss coming in 2014!